[phpBB Debug] PHP Notice: in file /viewtopic.php on line 988: date(): It is not safe to rely on the system's timezone settings. You are *required* to use the date.timezone setting or the date_default_timezone_set() function. In case you used any of those methods and you are still getting this warning, you most likely misspelled the timezone identifier. We selected 'Europe/Moscow' for 'MSK/3.0/no DST' instead[phpBB Debug] PHP Notice: in file /viewtopic.php on line 988: getdate(): It is not safe to rely on the system's timezone settings. You are *required* to use the date.timezone setting or the date_default_timezone_set() function. In case you used any of those methods and you are still getting this warning, you most likely misspelled the timezone identifier. We selected 'Europe/Moscow' for 'MSK/3.0/no DST' insteadSolaraGuy.com • View topic - Guidelines for Group Buys

This forum has frequently asked questions and stickies from all the Solara forums. Look here first to see if your question is answered or if the information you are looking for has already been posted.

I've seen a lot of confusion and chaos in some of the group buys of the past. Enough that the SolaraGuy Mods felt a need to post up some suggested guidelines for handling future buys.

For the Person Organizing the Buy (GB Leader):

Do your homework first! a. Understand if there is widespread need for the product.
b. Research the competition for that product. Say you want to GB a brake kit. By the time you’re done, the package is top notch and the best performance kit available but it’ll be $2K for it. XYB Brake Company has a kit that is not nearly as nice but it’s $900. Odds are that you will struggle to get people to sign up.
c. It’s OK to post up a poll (in the poll section) to gage interest in the product. Be sure to keep the poll general.
d. Contact the prospective manufacturer and get as much detail as possible
e. Get in touch with someone there that has the authority (or ability) to make it happen.
f. Get their prices to you in writing!!!
g. Research shipping costs!!! I can’t stress this enough!
h. Ask the manufacturer:
- Leadtime between order and delivery. (Get this in writing as well)
- Where is the price break? (example: 25+ orders)
- How should warranty be handled? (Individual receipts needed?)
- Will the manufacturer drop ship? (Ship direct to the customers.)
- Is there a minimum order quantity or setup charge?
- Is there anything that you can have done custom? (For example: Have Solara etched into the caliper of the brake kit.)

GB Leader Ethics:a. You start it, you finish it. Nothing is more irritating than someone who loses interest in the project only to dump it halfway through.
b. Don’t promise the world! We all want to be a hero, but this can lead to trouble for yourself.
c. Make some money for yourself. Your time is worth something. Additionally, something always will go wrong. Damaged shipment, missing, lost, no fit, poor quality, etc… You should be able to refund money if everything goes to heck. (But you shouldn’t be out the money.)
d. Organize the GB thread with a deadline. An organized buy will make people confident in your ability to deliver. A deadline will keep it from lingering for 9 months.
e. Don’t take money until you’re close to ordering. If you take the funds, you’d better be able to deliver or refund quickly.
f. Use PayPal if possible. This is a secured and easy way to transfer funds or refund if needed.
g. Make sure your prices include any fees for PayPal.

For the Person Participating in the Buy:1. You say you’re in, then “YOU’RE IN!” The GB leader is sticking his/her neck out to get you a deal. It’s not fair to be counted in and then back out last minute.
2. Make payment quickly! The GB leader is not a bank. There are no easy payment terms.
3. Be patient. All good things come to those who wait. Don’t flame the GB leader for things he / she can’t control.
4. If you need to pull out, talk to the GB leader. Make sure they are covered and that the GB is not in jeopardy due to one order less.
5. Be prepared to work out problems with the GB Leader AND /OR the manufacturer. Stuff happens.
6. Help out the GB leader by finding others who might want to participate. The more, the merrier